The newest BMW M3 is the first to include turbochargers under its bonnet. BMW discarded the high-revving in nature aspirated V8 of the old car in favor of a twin-turbo straight-six unit to enhance efficiency and give dazzling mid-range urge that means out on the road, this grand M3 is a real weapon that can make shy much more exclusive supercars.
It has long been the go-to performance saloon of preference, and this M3 is still awesome to drive. Sharp steering and rock solid body control allow you to take liberties along with the chassis and bend hard on the unbelievable grip levels. Quick steering provides great direction changes too, but be cautious, as the sharp engine and spiky throttle as well mean it can be a handful in the wet.
There is only one engine in the entire range – a 3.0-litre straight-six engine along with two turbochargers. Whereas the turbos might be new, the remaining is a well-known configuration for the M3 from previous models. The new layout has its own critics, but there is no denying the fact that it supplies stunning performance.
Along with 550Nm of torque on tap from as low down as 1,850rpm, what the M3 might have misplaced in aural excitement through its strong 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six it more than simply makes up for in output terms.
The 0-62mph sprint needs just 4.1 seconds when adjusted with BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch DCT paddle shift gearbox, aided by launch control off the line. With adaptable shift speeds for the transmission, belligerent gear changes mean implausible uninterrupted bursts off acceleration, but one can tone it down and simply leave it in complete auto mode for smoother changes. You have to be vigilant along with the throttle though – mainly in wet conditions – as the receptive engine means the tail will desire to kick wide in corners if you’re too forceful.
Even moving in the Comfort setting, the adaptive dampers are hard but there is enough observance to provide decent comfort on long journeys. You’ll crave to wait until you strike some super smooth tarmac – or a path – to step things up to Sport or Sport Plus chiefly for the suspension however.
In all these settings the smart M3’s front end joints to a cornering line and produces immense grip. But with all that authority on tap and a delightfully adjustable chassis, you can have fun with the M3’s balance in the corners. Stability control maintains everything nicely in check in the wet, nevertheless, and motivates great confidence in the car. Together along with fast steering it means you can easily throw the car into corners and sure that it will stick. It is one of the fastest four-doors around, but sadly it can’t relatively match the V8-engined Mercedes-AMG C63 for character. Yet, when it comes to alertness the M3 is unquestionably top of the class.
BMW’s warranty is on a balance along with its rivals. The M3 delivers a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty as regular – and if anything should go incorrect, BMW also provides three years’ of roadside assistance breakdown cover.
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